Zakir Hussain speaks out against any "ban" on Pak artistes

Tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain opposed any "ban" on Pakistani artistes performing in India after the Mumbai terror attacks saying that art is one of the "few most positive" things left in the world and denying it would tantamount to injustice to humanity.

Tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain on Sunday opposed any "ban" on Pakistani artistes performing in India after the Mumbai terror attacks saying that art is one of the "few most positive" things left in the world and denying it would tantamount to injustice to humanity.

"Art is a religion on its own and needs to be acknowledged to help people to live in harmony with each other," Zakir told PTI.

Coming out strongly against any "ban" on Pakistani artistes in the wake of 26/11, he said "I find it hard to believe that Pakistani artistes should not be allowed to perform in India because they support terrorism."

"Art is one of the few most positive things left in this world. It may not change the world but enables listeners forget the worries of the world and makes them positive, relaxed and rejuvenated. If you cut the roots of positive energy, you are not doing justice to humanity. Music is an Indian tradition irrespective of whether you are a Hindu or a Muslim," he said.

The maestro said he never performs in Pakistan because he wants to play at a properly advertised public concert.

"I don't want to perform privately because some sections of the people there will not like it. Art should be acknowledged as it will help us to live in harmony with each other," he said.